Royal Mail’s Universal Service Changes

At Citipost Mail, we know the recent changes to Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) have left many wondering how it will affect campaign planning. Our role is to make sure you stay informed and at least one step ahead.

What’s Happened So Far

Royal Mail had planned to permanently remove Saturday deliveries for Standard (D+3) and Economy mail from 28 July 2025, and move all Standard letters from a delivery in 2 days (D+2) service to a delivery in 3 days (D+3) alternate-day schedule.

However, at launch they introduced interim arrangements — and here’s what you need to know now:

• Saturday deliveries for Standard mail continue until at least the 23 September 2025.
• Economy mail will still be delivered on Saturdays until 23 September 2025, after which Saturday deliveries will stop.
• About 50% of Standard letters are still arriving on D+2 (two working days after handover), with the rest taking D+3.
• Large Letter campaigns are unaffected and continue to be delivered on a D+2 service.
• Priority (First Class equivalent from Handover to Royal Mail) Is delivered Monday to Saturday.

Looking Ahead

Royal Mail still intends to roll out a nationwide alternate-day delivery model for Second Class and Standard mail campaigns over the next 12–18 months. We will communicate the flightpath for these changes once provided by Royal Mail.

What This Means for You

• You can continue to include Saturdays in campaign planning for Standard mail and for Economy mail until 23 September 2025.
• Timing for Standard letters will vary between D+2 and D+3, with an approximate 50/50 delivery split – so allow flexibility and plan accordingly.

Our team is on top of every update and can help you select the right service to keep your campaigns landing when you need them to.

Your Direct Mail Experts

We are in regular contact with Royal Mail and industry bodies, monitoring the changes as they happen. That means you get the clearest, most up-to-date advice – without having to track every announcement yourself.

If you’d like to discuss your upcoming campaigns or understand how best to plan around these changes, get in touch with our team of experts today.